This is a biblical world view, based on Genesis when God told Adam and Eve that they had dominion over all creation. As long as they obeyed Him, dominion was theirs (Hebrews 2:8). When they fell, however, they lost the glory and image of God, and lost dominion over Creation. Satan took the throne vacated by Adam and Eve and exercised his dominion over the earth, and death filled the world (Hebrews 2:14-15).
All generations following Adam and Eve have inherited their fallen nature, and all have come under the power and dominion of Satan. God, however, provided salvation through Jesus Christ and the cross on Calvary. Jesus came into the world to rescue mankind from Satan’s power. Jesus gave His life as a ransom, to buy us back, destroy the works of Satan in our lives and to return dominion to mankind.
Once again we have dominion over the earth through Christ, with God-ordained power to rule, subdue and change the earth. Unfortunately much religion and witchcraft paint the picture of a world with irresistible forces that have the power to overwhelm the individual. Whether these forces are called God, gods, the devil, scientific socialism, capitalism, Marxism, or Zionism, our world view determines how we live. Many in Africa are still bound by witchcraft. So many Africans are waiting for life to happen to them, but god created man to be the protagonist and make life happen.
Only the Kingdom of God can bring true reformation to a society. Islam has tried, and of course failed, but sadly traditional Christianity has failed as well, particularly in Africa. The church must take a hard look at itself because, until now, it has not truly affected African ancestral beliefs nor changed the basic cultural understanding of the contemporary societies on the continent. It is difficult to question a culture, but until we can change some key elements of the African culture, we will be forced to live according to the old proverb, “Attempting the same things, expecting different results.”
The Kingdom of God is the answer for every problem on earth, whether in Africa, the United States, or elsewhere. The answer for Africa is not to look at capitalism, free enterprise or the so-called developed nations. If Africans would look with all their hearts to the word of God, they would find that what God promises is far better than the materialism of the West and the asceticism of the East. Africa does not have to remain a culture bankrupt by witchcraft, but we can develop a culture built on respect for human life with all the virtues and values set forth in the Scriptures. Then Isaiah chapter 60 will become a living reality to the people who for too many years have been written off as “The Dark Continent.”
“Arise, shine; for your light is come,
And the glory of the LORD is risen on you.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people:
but the LORD shall arise on you,
and his glory shall be seen on you.
And the Gentiles shall come to your light,
and Kings to the brightness of your rising.
Lift up your eyes round about, and see:
all they gather themselves together, they come to you:
your sons shall come from far,
and your daughters shall be nursed at your side.
Then you shall see, and flow together,
and your heart shall fear, and be enlarged;
because the abundance of the sea shall be converted to you,
the forces of the Gentiles shall come to you.
The multitude of camels shall cover you,
the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah;
all they from Shebashall come: they shall bring gold and incense;
All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you,
the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you:
they shall come up with acceptance on my altar,
and I will glorify the house of my glory .(Isaiah 60 AKJV)
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